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It is very probable that the ingenuity of commerce may have found out
a method to evade and supersede the intentions of the British, in
interdicting the trade with the West India islands. The language of
both being the same, and their customs well understood, the vessels
of one country may, by deception, pass for those of another. But this
would be a practice too debasing for a sovereign people to stoop to,
and too profligate not to be discountenanced. An illicit trade, under
any shape it can be placed, cannot be carried on without a violation
of truth. America is now sovereign and independent, and ought to
conduct her affairs in a regular style of character. She has the same
right to say that no British vessel shall enter ports, or that no
British manufactures shall be imported, but in American bottoms, the
property of, and navigated by American subjects, as Britain has to
say the same thing respecting the West Indies. Or she may lay a duty
of ten, fifteen, or twenty shillings per ton (exclusive of other
duties) on every British vessel coming from any port of the West
Indies, where she is not admitted to trade, the said tonnage to
continue as long on her side as the prohibition continues on the
other.
But it is only by acting in union, that the usurpations of foreign
nations on the freedom of trade can be counteracted, and security
extended to the commerce of America. And when we view a flag, which
to the eye is beautiful, and to contemplate its rise and origin
inspires a sensation of sublime delight, our national honor must
unite with our interest to prevent injury to the one, or insult to
the other.
COMMON SENSE.
NEW YORK, December 9, 1783.
End of The Project Gutenberg Etext of The Writings of Thomas Paine Vol. I
by Thomas Paine
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